Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
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Brewton may not be the first place you would expect to find jobs in software development, website design and technology help desk staffing, but Provalus is finding great success in this south Alabama town.

Gov. Kay Ivey has not signed a bill to exempt economic development professionals from registering as lobbyists under the state ethics law but plans to do so, Press Secretary Daniel Sparkman said today.

The bill, HB317 by Rep. Ken Johnson, R-Moulton, would die if the governor did not sign it by Sunday, Sparkman said.

Ivey had issued a statement supporting the bill after it
passed on the last day of the session last week, so her decision to sign it is not a surprise.

A total of eight Birmingham companies will compete May 9 for $100,000 as the latest stop in a entrepreneurial seed money bus tour.

The fourth "Rise of the Rest" tour, from Washington D.C.-based Revolution fund, is promoting tech startups through the tour, which is making stops in Birmingham, Dallas, Memphis, Chattanooga and Louisville.

Participants get four minutes to pitch, and another four minutes to answer questions.